Apr. 17, 2017 6:28 AM PT7:28 AM MT8:28 AM CT9:28 AM ET13:28 GMT21:28 6:28 AM MST8:28 AM EST8:28 AM CT17:28 UAE9:28 ETNaN:� - Short and the Panthers have agreed to a five-year contract worth a reported $80.5 million. The mega-deal includes $35 million in guaranteed money, according to NFL.com.Analysis: The Panthers made retaining Short a top priority after placing the franchise tag on him in February, and they've succeeded in keeping one of the league's best interior rushers in the fold. The 28-year-old recorded 11 sacks and three forced fumbles during a breakout 2015 campaign and followed up with six sacks and 12 tackles for loss while starting all 16 games last season.

Feb. 27, 2017 10:24 AM PT11:24 AM MT12:24 PM CT1:24 PM ET18:24 GMT2:24 11:24 AM MST1:24 PM EST12:24 PM CT22:24 UAE13:24 ETNaN:� - Short will not hit the open market after being franchise tagged by the Panthers on Monday.Analysis: Short, a first-time Pro Bowl pick in 2015, was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent when the league year begins March 9. By designating Short the franchise player, negotiations toward a long-term deal can be conducted until the July 15 league deadline. If no deal can be reached, Short would earn $13.4 million in 2017 on a one-year tender.